Tortuga Falls

Tortuga Falls

Looking for something to do between our animal shows? Head toward Tortuga Falls. A peaceful hideaway, seemingly removed from time. Listen to the calming melody of the waterfall as you lose yourself among the lush greens and tropical plants. Take some time out of your visit to just close your eyes and relax in our meditative garden.

Tortuga Falls is one of the newest additions to the grounds at Reptile Gardens. As you follow the sound of the cascading waterfall in this botanical garden, you’ll find your way to our turtle and Koi pond. During the summer, you can visit Darwin, our well-loved Australian Kookaburra. He might even make that famous jungle call of his for you.

The Koi pond is surrounded by ornamental trees, blooming ground cover plants, and shade-loving perennials. Tortuga Falls is a botanical garden experience you won’t forget as the tranquil environment provides the opportunity to simply be enjoyed for its beauty. If, however, your curiosity starts to get the best of you, this botanical garden is a great place to observe and investigate plant life from various parts of the world up close.

Tortuga Falls is a botanical garden experience you won’t soon forget. Visiting Tortuga Falls and the Koi pond is a great opportunity to take a break from your exciting day at Reptile Gardens and relax a bit. Don’t forget to take some time to unwind after you see the largest collection of reptiles in the world. Reptile Gardens is located just 6 miles south of Rapid City, SD at 8955 S. Highway 16. Just look for the giant dome at the bottom of the hill on Highway 16. Darwin can’t wait to see you!

As we work closely with major zoos worldwide to promote species survival, it is our responsibility to also educate the public about important environmental issues and positively contribute to the future of our animal residents.

Reptile Gardens is a great place for class field trips and learning experiences. View some work sheets and answer keys for your group to use while exploring Reptile Gardens. We have several varying difficulty levels to help accommodate every age of children. Have fun learning!

Sky Dome

Rattlesnake Gulch

Try your hand at gemstone sluicing or go on a 3D safari. Our very own old west ghost town as numerous photo opportunities and activities to keep the kids entertained.

Cheyenne's Habitat

Cheyenne the bald eagle has been a permanent resident of Reptile Gardens for 11 years with permission of the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Maniac's habitat

Maniac is our resident giant saltwater crocodile. At over 16 feet long and1,350pounds, he is one of the largest giant crocodiles in the western hemisphere. If you don't see him at his enclosure inside the SkyDome, make sure to check outside!

Prairie Dog Town

Get down to eye-level with these fuzzy little animals and see firsthand what life is like in a typical prairie dog town!

Methuselah's Playground

Methuselah was a giant Galapagos Tortoise weighing in at over 600 pounds, and a long time resident of Reptile Gardens. His memory lives on at this playground featuring a bronze statue of Methuselah himself.

Snake Show stage

Get up-close-and-personal with our snake ambassadors in this family-friendly snake handling show.

Gator Show stage

Dozens of Alligators, Crocodiles, and Caimans and one keeper...what could go wrong? Separate fact from fiction in this educational, family-friendly show and get a chance to pet Fluffy, our baby gator!

Bird Show stage

Interact with birds from around the world at the Bird Show, where they love to show off their beauty and intelligence.

Gift Shop

Carrying a wide variety of Reptile Gardens souvenirs as well as educational books for every age and a variety of stunning rocks, minerals, and fossils from all over the world.